New Recycling Contract to Save Dacula $11K

A new recycling contract with Republic Services could save the City of Dacula more than $11,000 per year.

Since 2008, Republic Services has provided recycling pickup for Dacula residents. The cost is taxpayer funded and is paid out of city coffers instead of being billed to each customer. The city’s bill has averaged $2.68 per household per month for the 1,282 households within the city limits -- a total of $41,229.12 each year.

According to city administrator Jim Osborn, 20 percent of that bill is for fuel, environmental and administrative expenses. As part of the new contract, the administrative and environmental fees will be waived and the per household monthly cost will be reduced from $2.68 to $2.16.

The changes will result in an $11,059 reduction in the city’s current annual bill. The 3-year contract will also include an option to renew annually for an additional two years at the end of the initial contract period. The renewal option will allow the city to keep recycling prices unchanged for the next five years.

Additonally, Osborn said a provision in the new contract will allow customers to request 35-gallon wheeled recycling carts at no additional charge to the city. Currently, customers are provided with 18-gallon bins.

The Dacula City Council will decide whether or not to accept the new contract during the March 1 council meeting.